Thomas Aquinas Quotes

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it. I would hope to act with compassion without thinking of personal gain.

Rarely affirm, seldom deny, always distinguish.

Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.

For those with faith, no evidence is necessary; for those without it, no evidence will suffice.

Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.

Love follows knowledge.

Grant, O Lord my God, that I may never fall away in success or in failure; that I may not be prideful in prosperity nor dejected in adversity. Let me rejoice only in what unites us and sorrow only in what separates us. May I strive to please no one or fear to displease anyone except Yourself. May I see always the things that are eternal and never those that are only temporal. May I shun any joy that is without You and never seek any that is beside You. O Lord, may I delight in any work I do for You and tire of any rest that is apart from You. My God, let me direct my heart towards You, and in my failings, always repent with a purpose of amendment.

The study of truth requires a considerable effort - which is why few are willing to undertake it out of love of knowledge - despite the fact that God has implanted a natural appetite for such knowledge in the minds of men.

If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

There must be must be a first mover existing above all – and this we call God.

The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.

To love is to will the good of the other.

Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not in hand.

It is necessary for the perfection of human society that there should be men who devote their lives to contemplation.